Between Drafts Getting an Agent for Your Novel: Lessons from 90+ Rejections (Ep. 3)
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Jan 13, 2025 Nathan shares his grueling experience of facing over 90 rejections while seeking an agent for his debut novel. He discusses the importance of feedback and the emotional rollercoaster writers endure during the querying process. In a hopeful turn, he reveals what he'll do differently with his new manuscript, emphasizing the need for effective query letters and the significance of building connections with agents. The conversation also touches on navigating different book categories and rediscovering the joy of writing amidst the challenges.
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Query Components
- When querying, send a concise query letter (half a page), a synopsis, and your first few pages.
- Include comp titles (similar successful books) to give agents context.
Query Critique Service
- Nathan used Jane Friedman's query critique service for feedback on his query, synopsis, and pages.
- She provided helpful advice on context, specificity, and cause-and-effect sequencing.
Synopsis and Query Focus
- Focus on motivation and cause-and-effect in your synopsis, even if it reveals the ending.
- Treat your query letter as a sales pitch, not a summary, to entice agents.